Write for a Better World 2017: Contest for Canadian students in Gr. 5-8

World Literacy Canada

presents its annual

WRITE FOR A BETTER WORLD  

contest

for Canadian students in Grades 5-8

This year, the writing theme was created by  

Melanie Florence

(who will also be the final judge)

 author of the award-winning 

Missing Nimâmâ

by Melanie Florence

Illustrated by François Thisdale

Clockwise Press

978-0-9939351-0-7

32 pp.

Ages 8+

2015

Reviewed here

What to do?

Using this story starter, tell what happens next in 400 words or less:

"I remember how I felt when something was stolen from me.  I swore I'd do anything to get it back.  Then, Kateri and her grandmother had someone stolen from them.  Kateri is my best friend and I knew I had to step up and help.  Sometimes a friend just needs a superhero..."

Deadline

April 1, 2017

Full Details

www.worldlit.ca/canada-programs/write-for-a-better-world


n.b. A French language version of the contest, Écris pour un monde meilleur, is also available.

Write for a Better World: 2016 Writing Contest for Canadian students in Gr. 5-8

World Literacy Canada

presents its annual

WRITE FOR A BETTER WORLD  

contest

for Canadian students in Grades 5-8

This year, the writing theme was created by  

Jonathan Auxier

(who will also be the final judge)

 author of the award-winning 
The Night Gardener

Puffin

978-0-670-06772-5

384 pp.

Ages 10+

2014
Reviewed here

What to do:
• Using this story starter, tell what happens next in 400 words or less:

People often say that "every person is the hero of their own story." What they don't tell you is that sometimes you are the villain in someone else's story. This is the story of the day I learned that lesson the hard way.

Deadline:
• April 15, 2016


Full Details:
• Details of prizes and the entry form can be found at worldlit.ca/write2016

• World Literacy Canada has a teacher resource for the contest here

2014 Write for a Better World Contest

World Literacy Canada

presents its annual

WRITE FOR A BETTER WORLD  

contest

for Canadian students in Grades 5-8

This year, the writing theme was created by  

Kelley Armstrong

 author of numerous award-winning fantasy books

(here's a sample below)

What to do:
• Using this story starter, tell what happens next in 400 words or less:

It’s been a long, sleepless night of strange dreams. Even once you wake up, you think you’re still dreaming, because you aren’t in your own bed. You aren’t even yourself! It’s no dream. You’ve woken in another part of the world, as someone from another culture. 

How stories will be evaluated:

• Has the writer written about a place and culture that is different from their own? Is there indication that the author learned something about the culture?

• How unique is the writer’s approach to the topic?

• How is the story organized? Is there a clear beginning, middle and ending?

• Does the writer use proper spelling and grammar?

• Is the main character well-written? Does he/she represent the ideals of global citizenship?

Deadline:
• April 4, 2014


Full Details:
• Details of prizes and the entry form can be found at http://www.worldlit.ca/canada-programs/write-for-a-better-world/write2014/

World Literacy Canada contest: Write for a Better World

World Literacy Canada is an organization that aims to promote global citizenship and help eliminate poverty ("turning the page on poverty").  Each year, they promote a writing contest for Canadian children to increase awareness of global issues.  Last year's contest was based on the themes in Deborah Ellis' book No Ordinary Day.  This year, World Literacy Canada's contest, renamed Write for a Better World, is based on a challenge from youngCanLit author, Eric Walters.

Here are the contest basics:

What: Eric Walters' challenges students to complete the following story starter in no more than 400 words:

I felt like I had been shot out of a cannon.  Who were these people? Where in the world was I? Before I could even get my bearings I was almost run over by . . .

Write about a place and culture that is new to you. What is different about it and what is surprisingly the same?

Stories will be evaluated on:

• Focus: Does the writing focus on travelling to a new place and learning something about the culture there?
• Creativity: How unique is the writer’s approach to the topic?
• Main Character: Is the main character well-written and focus on being a global citizen? 
• Clarity and organization: How is the story organized? Is there a clear beginning, middle and ending?
• Conventions: Does the writer use correct spelling and grammar?

Who:  For Canadian students in Grades 5 to 8


Deadline: Entries must be received by April 5, 2013

Prizes: 

• First Place: 
• $500 + an eReader
• plus the prizes for the Top Ten (as stated below)

• Top Ten: 
• $50 + a full set of  Seven: The Series, signed by Eric Walters 
• a world map and atlas
• World Literacy Canada swag
• publication in a collectible magazine and online 

Details about the contest and submitting entries can be accessed at the World Literacy Canada contest website here.